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Boston travel guide

As one of the oldest settlements in the USA and the largest city
in New England, Boston has a wealth of history and culture to offer
travellers. Despite the serious academic and historical pedigree of
the city, however, the huge student population from more than 50
colleges and universities situated in the greater Boston area
ensures a youthful vibrancy that adds a totally different dimension
to the historic charm of the city.

Cambridge lies across the Charles River and is the largest
college town in the world, synonymous with Harvard University,
founded in 1638. The neat ivy-covered brick buildings of the
university grounds, as well as the labyrinth of twisting streets in
Boston centre and the historical buildings in the old-world
neighbourhoods are best explored on foot. Boston refers to itself
as the 'Walking City' and is a remarkably compact city that is
centred on the country's oldest public park, Boston Common. The
Information Centre in Boston Common is the starting point for two
of the city's main attractions, which are in fact walking tours:
The Freedom Trail explores the city's revolutionary past and the
birth of the modern American Republic, while the Black Heritage
Trail highlights Boston's place in black American history and its
role in anti-slavery.

Boston is an easy blend of historic charm and modern
convenience, with a busy street life and beautiful architecture,
green parks and gardens, skyscrapers and modern freeways, museums,
galleries and colonial churches. Boston is home to the first public
library, the first public school and the first subway system in the
US; it is the site of the Boston Tea Party that started the
Revolutionary War; and is the location of the Cheers bar, made
famous by the popular TV sitcom. Boston is also the city from
whence both planes that crashed into the World Trade Centre on
September 11th, 2001 originated, and many of those who died were
local residents - this tragedy hit the city particularly hard, and
has only added to the famed patriotism of Bostonians.

The two and a half mile (4km) Freedom Trail follows a line of
red bricks, or a painted red line on the pavement, linking 16
historic sights associated with the early struggle for freedom from
British control and the events leading up to the revolution.
Markers identify the stops and provide information from downtown to
the North End to Charlestown and Bunker Hill Monument. Sights along
the way include Paul Revere House, Boston's oldest surviving house
that was home to the famous revolutionary, and the nearby Old North
Church, where two lanterns were hung in the belfry to warn the
revolutionaries of the British movements while Revere went on his
famous horse ride to warn of imminent British attack.

The elegant Old State House was the seat of British colonial
government and where the Declaration of Independence was read in
1776. There is a museum of Boston history inside. At the Old South
Meeting House, Samuel Adams addressed the revolutionaries in the
significant meeting prior to the Boston Tea Party, and a circle of
cobblestones marks the site of the Boston Massacre. In Charlestown
the USS Constitution, known as 'Old Ironsides' is the oldest
warship still afloat and was named after the sinking of the British
frigate, HMS Guerriere during the war of 1812. Bunker Hill Monument
is the site of the first formal battle of the American Revolution,
which was fought in 1775.

Also along the trail is the beautiful white steeple of Park
Street Church, the site of several important anti-slavery speeches,
the Old Granary Burying Ground where a number of revolutionaries
are buried, and the Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall that once was
the meeting place for revolutionaries as well as a bustling
marketplace. Although a complete self-guided trail, the National
Park Service also conducts free tours with guides in historic
costumes that cover some of the trail's highlights.

Address: The trail starts from the Visitor Information Center on
Boston Common

Black Heritage Trail

Today Beacon Hill brings to mind images of affluence and
luxurious living, yet until the end of the 19th century it
contained a community of free blacks and escaped slaves from the
southern states who owned businesses, built houses and schools, and
worshipped together in the churches. Although the black community
has since shifted to other parts of Boston, the Black Heritage
Trail covers 14 sites important in local black history.
Massachusetts was the first state to abolish slavery in 1783.

Beginning at the Boston Common, there is a memorial to slave
abolitionist Robert Shaw who led the first black regiment recruited
during the Civil War. Various sites on Beacon Hill include homes of
famous citizens, the city's first racially integrated public school
with exhibits portraying the struggle for equal school rights, and
a house that was part of the famous 'Underground Railroad' that
sheltered runaway slaves from their pursuers. The African Meeting
House, part of the Museum of Afro-American History, is one of the
most interesting stops on the trail; it was the first black church
in the United States, known as 'Black Faneuil Hall' during the
anti-slavery campaign. Here famous abolitionist speeches were made
and black people were called to take up arms in the Civil War.
There is an informative audiovisual presentation in the
gallery.

Although this is a complete self-guided trail with brochures and
maps provided by the Museum of Afro-American History, park rangers
also give free daily two-hour tours, which start at the National
Park Service Visitor Center.

Address: The trail starts from the Visitor Information Center on
Boston Common or at the Museum of Afro-American History at 46 Joy
Street, Beacon Hill

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum

Moored to the bridge is the Beaver II, known as the Boston Tea
Party Ship and Museum, and one of the three ships stormed by
patriots in 1773 as an act of rebellion against British rule and in
particular against the new tax laws imposed on tea. A group of
revolutionaries disguised as Mohawk Indians burst from the South
Meeting House and boarded the ships that were loaded with tea. They
emptied the crate contents into the harbour, an event that became
known as the Boston Tea Party. The Beaver II is an exact replica of
the original Beaver I and visitors can learn about the event on
board the ship. The museum has recently been renovated and improved
and generally receives rave reviews from visitors of all ages; in
fact, it has recently been voted 'Best Family Attraction in
Boston', among a host of other accolades.

Opening time: Tours run between 10am and 5pm during peak season,
with slightly reduced hours in winter.

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum is located in Cambridge, near the campus of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the most prestigious
universities in the US. The relatively small museum houses
technology-themed collections of holograms, artificial
intelligence, robotics, and maritime history, placing specific
importance on MIT's contributions to the history of technology.
Some of the most interesting exhibits are those of the MIT Hacks,
elaborate pranks pulled by students each year. Don't miss the
Arthur Ganson gallery of kinetic sculptures, which is also
something special.

Just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is actually
a city in its own right although the two cities are so closely
associated that many people believe them to be one and the same.
Cambridge is home to two of the most prestigious centres for
education in the country, Harvard University and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, and has a young and vibrant atmosphere due
to the 30,000 university students from around the world that reside
and study here.

The city is centred on Harvard Square, which is a gathering spot
that reflects the international culture of its learning community
as well as the influence of its students, residents and business
owners. Surrounding the square and lining the streets that spread
out from Harvard Square are dozens of bookstores and music shops,
cafes, coffee houses and restaurants. Harvard Square, occupied on
one side by the university, is a lively mixture of students and
professors, buskers, the homeless, evangelists and political
campaigners, and is a great place to have a cup of coffee, watch
the activity and soak up the atmosphere.

Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest in the
country and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher
learning in the USA and indeed the world. It is famous for its
brilliant faculties, which have produced economists, biologists,
prize-winning poets, and famous graduates like President John F.
Kennedy. It is perhaps equally well known for its famous dropouts,
such as actor Matt Damon who left in second year to write the
Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting, and businessman Bill Gates
who left to start up a small software business, also dropping out
in his second year.

The focal point of the university is Harvard Yard, a courtyard
surrounded by ivy-covered colonial buildings from the 18th century
until the present that was named for John Harvard, a graduate of
Cambridge University in Britain, who died leaving the college half
his estate and his entire library. The shoe of his statue is rubbed
for good luck. Harvard also has some outstanding museums, including
the Harvard Art Museums and the Museum of Natural History. The Fogg
Art Museum is the most famous art museum with a huge collection
covering works from the European Renaissance period to the modern
day, including works by Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and Klee. The
Bush-Reisinger and Arthur Sackler Museums are included in the same
ticket. The Natural History Museum is renowned for its display of
hand-blown glass flowers.

Transport: The subway Red Line to Harvard Square from Boston
Commons Park Street Station

Boston Public Garden

The first botanical garden in the United States, the Boston
Public Garden provides a tranquil escape from the fast pace of the
city centre. Maintained by the Boston Parks and Recreation
Department and the Friends of the Public Garden, the botanical
garden is a must-see on any exploration of Boston. With more than
600 varieties of trees and colourful displays of well-ordered
decorative flowers, visitors can go for a relaxing swan boat ride
on the three acre lagoon, enjoy the attractive vista of the city's
sardined skyscrapers through the trees, or take pleasure in the
numerous public works of art that border the meandering paths. The
gardens are a great stop for families wanting a break from
sightseeing.

A great Boston day trip and shopping destination, Faneuil Hill
Marketplace offers superb shopping at some familiar designer
stores, quality arts and crafts, as well as great restaurants and
sidewalk cafés. Four places in one, Faneuil Hall Marketplace
encompasses Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South
Market. Set around a cobblestone promenade, the market is a haven
for the performing arts with jugglers, mimes, musicians and
magicians entertaining passers-by. Centrally located and operating
for more than 250 years, the Faneuil Hill Marketplace is the hub of
Boston city life. Drawing large crowds excited by the electric
energy, visitors can shop, stroll, eat and wonder.

An artwork in itself, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston houses
some of the most famous European paintings in the US. Boston's
oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA's
collections is one of the world's most comprehensive, with
something like 22,000 artworks including masterpieces by some of
the finest artists in the world. With a striking collection of
Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet, Egyptian sculpture,
and a moving exhibition of Japanese and other Asian artworks,
visitors should make sure they have ample time to explore the
exhibition rooms of the MFA. Have a break and enjoy a coffee or
lunch at one the three gallery restaurants or browse the
outstanding museum bookstore and shop.

Codzilla takes passengers on a high-speed cruise around Boston's
harbour. People on board will scream in pure delight as the boat
curves, spins and rips through the harbour for 40 minutes, with
music such as Bobby Darin and ACDC blaring. You'll be travelling at
a heart-pumping 40 miles (70km) per hour. Reservations are
recommended. Very young kids may be frightened by the activity, but
generally the whole family will relish the thrill. Numerous other
boat tours and cruises are available in Boston's harbour, with more
sedate options for those who aren't keen on braving Codzilla.

Opening time: Hours vary according to season, visit the website for
current times.

New England Aquarium

Home to Simons IMAX Theatre and the New England Aquarium Whale
Watch, which runs from April through October, the New England
Aquarium features a plethora of some of the world's most amazing
marine species, such as the impressive giant pacific octopus, sand
tiger shark, green sea turtles and North Atlantic Right whales, and
is an absolute must for children of all ages and any adult in love
with the underwater world. The aquarium is a wonderful family
attraction for a rainy day. Basic admission includes the aquarium,
while the IMAX and Whale Watch charge additional fees.

Opening time: Saturday to Thursday 9am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday
9am to 7pm. Hours are slightly reduced in winter.

Fenway Park

The Boston Red Sox are a much-beloved part of life in New
England. The 'curse of the Babe' and their infamous near 100-year
losing streak only made their supporters more fanatical. Fenway
Park is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use, and
has quirky features like The Triangle, Pesky's Pole, and the famous
Green Monster left-field wall. Visitors will notice a lone red seat
in the right field bleachers, which is where Ted Williams hit the
longest home run at Fenway, measuring 502 feet (153m). A baseball
game at Fenway Park is a must for any summertime visit to Boston,
hot dog, crackerjacks and all.

Visitors to Boston can take an informative tour of the Sam Adams
Brewery, and get a look at the brewing process for the popular
beer. Named for the revolutionary war hero, the beer has been
brewed in Boston since the 1980s. The tour showcases the entire
process, and allows visitors to taste the special malts used. A
free glass is included for visitors using the Go Boston Card. Tours
depart roughly every 45 minutes and last about one hour. The
brewery does not accept reservations, but they do recommend that
visitors arrive fairly early in the day to avoid long waits -
especially on Saturdays. All donations benefit local charities.

Children on holiday in Boston will be enthused by the exciting
attractions and activities that abound in this buzzing city. With
museums, kids' theatres, parks, playgrounds and everything in
between, deciding where to start will be the difficult part. Of
course, many of the city's most famous attractions are fun and
educational for the whole family, but there are also many
activities and attractions designed specifically for kids in
Boston.

Head to the stadium and watch a local Red Sox game at Fenway
Park if you can, or for a more leisurely activity, enjoy seeing
Boston by foot along the Freedom Trail. Little ones would be better
suited to the less exhausting option of the 'Boston by Little Feet'
tour, giving kids the opportunity to enjoy the highlights of the
Heritage Trail, come rain or shine. Activities like Monster Golf
and indoor playgrounds like Jump On It are great options for those
days when activities for kids out of doors are not an option.

In the evenings, why not take the kids out to see Shear Madness,
a hilariously funny and constantly changing play where the whole
family can be involved, along with the rest of the audience, in
solving the mystery. With so much to see and do, parents will find
Boston to be one of the most child-friendly and accommodating
cities in the United States.

Boston Public Garden

The first botanical garden in the United States, the Boston
Public Garden provides a tranquil escape from the fast pace of the
city centre. Maintained by the Boston Parks and Recreation
Department and the Friends of the Public Garden, the botanical
garden is a must-see on any exploration of Boston. With more than
600 varieties of trees and colourful displays of well-ordered
decorative flowers, visitors can go for a relaxing swan boat ride
on the three acre lagoon, enjoy the attractive vista of the city's
sardined skyscrapers through the trees, or take pleasure in the
numerous public works of art that border the meandering paths. The
gardens are a great stop for families wanting a break from
sightseeing.

Codzilla takes passengers on a high-speed cruise around Boston's
harbour. People on board will scream in pure delight as the boat
curves, spins and rips through the harbour for 40 minutes, with
music such as Bobby Darin and ACDC blaring. You'll be travelling at
a heart-pumping 40 miles (70km) per hour. Reservations are
recommended. Very young kids may be frightened by the activity, but
generally the whole family will relish the thrill. Numerous other
boat tours and cruises are available in Boston's harbour, with more
sedate options for those who aren't keen on braving Codzilla.

Address: Boston Harbour Cruises, Long Wharf
Transport:
Take the MBTA Blue Line to Aquarium Station.;
Opening time:
Hours vary according to season, visit the website for
current times.

New England Aquarium

Home to Simons IMAX Theatre and the New England Aquarium Whale
Watch, which runs from April through October, the New England
Aquarium features a plethora of some of the world's most amazing
marine species, such as the impressive giant pacific octopus, sand
tiger shark, green sea turtles and North Atlantic Right whales, and
is an absolute must for children of all ages and any adult in love
with the underwater world. The aquarium is a wonderful family
attraction for a rainy day. Basic admission includes the aquarium,
while the IMAX and Whale Watch charge additional fees.

The Boston Harborfest celebrates the nation's independence and
the maritime and colonial heritage that is part of Boston's
history. There are over 200 events, including re-enactments,
concerts, historic walking tours, and parties, climaxing with the
4th of July orchestra and fireworks display over the Charles River.
Main events include the Opening Ceremony, the Chowderfest and
Children's Day. The festival is thought to be the largest
celebration of patriotism in the country.

The 4th of July is no ordinary date in Boston. As one of the
pivotal locations of the Revolutionary War, the city celebrates the
American Independence Day like no other. The July 4th Boston Pops
Fireworks Spectacular includes a performance by the Boston Pops
Orchestra and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the US, as
well as parades, festivals, and many other parties.

The oldest marathon in the world, and ranked as one of the most
celebrated and popular road racing events, the marathon sees 20,000
runners take to the streets of Boston every year. Entry is by
qualification - would-be runners must complete a certified marathon
in a qualifying time determined by age; qualifying is highly
competitive. After the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon in
2013, in which two bombs exploded, killing three people and
injuring about 264 others, security has been increased at the
marathon and Boston is working hard to put a positive spin on the
famous race despite the tragedy.

Said to be the oldest and largest New Year's Eve celebration in
the country, First Night Boston features performances and
entertainment at more than 40 indoor and outdoor venues throughout
the city. Highlights include ice sculptures, glittering fireworks
displays, a Family Festival and the First Night Grand Procession,
as well as a variety of theatre, dance, music, film and
storytelling. Of course, First Night is also a big party! Boston
becomes a kind of friendly winter wonderland with fireworks, street
parties, live music and performance art.

Due to its shared cultural roots with greater New England, the
very freshest in local seafood dominates Boston's regional cuisine,
along with a large emphasis on rum, salt and dairy products.
Tourists eating out in Boston will want to try a cannoli before
leaving: a traditional Italian pastry consisting of a tube of fried
dough filled with a mousse, cream, or ricotta filling. Some of the
best are found at Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry.

Ideal for a takeaway lunch by the harbour or a quick bite to
eat, Faneuil Hall still comes out tops with a fantastic
cross-section of the city's cosmopolitan cuisine and manages to be
a wonderful tourist attraction simultaneously.

The North End is a firm favourite with locals and features
wonderfully intimate cafés, bakeries and eateries with enough
gastronomic treats to get just about everybody's mouth watering.
Hanover Street offers many good restaurant choices. The South End
boasts some of the most elegant restaurants in Boston's dining
scene, and those hoping to eat dinner here are strongly advised to
make a booking.

Most restaurants in Boston close by 10pm or 11pm; however, those
looking for late-night dining can head to Chinatown, where some
eateries stay open as late as 2am.

Pomodoro

A tiny, unpretentious Italian restaurant with hard working staff
and authentic Italian cuisine, Pomodoro is one of those
neighbourhood restaurants that is frequented by locals and
foreigners who keep coming back for more. Situated in the Northend,
Pomodoro serves a wide range of Italian cuisine from traditional
linguine marinara with lots of garlic and fresh herbs to seafood
wonders like tiger shrimp. The affordable prices and quality of
food make up for the simple décor, with most patrons being
mesmerised by the activity and aroma escaping from the open kitchen
and the food on their plate. Reservation recommended. Open Tuesday
to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Located in Boston's trendy South End, Mistral promises
uncomplicated and stylish fine dining. This upmarket restaurant
specialises in French cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal
ingredients. The chef, Jamie Mammano, is highly acclaimed in Boston
and the restaurant has a lovely ambience. Reservations are
recommended.

The Capital Grille is an American steakhouse institution,
serving up extremely high quality food in generous portions.
Despite being a restaurant chain The Capital Grille is an upmarket
fine dining experience and a good option for special occasions: if
you are visiting for a special celebration mention it to them when
you make a reservation as they really do go the extra distance.
Although steak of all kinds is the speciality there are also
tantalising seafood and vegetarian options on the menu. The Capital
Grille is open for lunch and supper Monday to Friday and supper
only on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended.

The Boston area's eclectic heritage is best appreciated through
its foods and nowhere better than at Pho 'n Rice. For the
uninformed pho is deceptively simple traditional Vietnamese soup
consisting of light but strong broth and noodles, with pieces of
meat and vegetable that continue to cook in the bowl. Pho 'n Rice
has added great variations to the traditional meal along with some
Thai-style dishes that promise to be light on the wallet and the
waistline. They'll even deliver your dinner to you for a small
extra charge.

Known for serving some of the best clam chowder in Boston, Legal
Sea Foods offers a range of fresh local seafood and steaks. The
large restaurant has three levels, and the top dining room and
balcony offer stunning views of the harbour, and the staff is
attentive and knowledgeable. Booking ahead is recommended, as there
can be long queues at peak times.

'Your father and grandfather probably dined with us' says the
advertising slogan for this Faneuil Hall market restaurant, which
has been feeding the hearty appetites of locals for well over a
century. Today the restaurant is a tourist attraction simply
because the cuisine it serves is still authentic old style New
England. The food is unpretentious, honest and good, including
favourites like clam chowder, fish chowder, fish cakes and beans,
chicken pot pie, prime rib, roast turkey, cornbread, Indian pudding
and apple pie. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Consistently ranked one of the top restaurants in Boston, the
Atlantic Fish Company serves up local seafood like crab cakes,
mussels, clam chowder, Atlantic cod, and lobster pot pie to hungry
tourists and locals alike. The menu changes daily according to the
day's catch. The dining room is built to resemble the interior of a
classic cruising ship, and the outdoor patio. Atlantic Fish Company
is open Sunday to Thursday from 11.30am-11pm, and Friday and
Saturday from 11.30am-midnight. Reservations are recommended.

Surprisingly, considering the huge student population,
Bostonians don't take their nightlife too seriously; most clubs
close by 2am and Massachusetts state law forbids smoking in all
bars, nightclubs and restaurants. That said, Boston's entertainment
and nightlife scene is still thriving with live bands, comedy acts
and shows taking centre stage in the Theater District.

Contrary to popular belief, not everybody knows your name in
Boston's bar scene, but a beer at the 'Cheers' bar on 84 Beacon
Street is a must for fans of the 80s TV show. Don't be disappointed
though if you don't find your friends here, they're probably
hitting some of Boston's hipper nightspots. Boston's nightlife has
a sophisticated edge, with a good dose of culture in the
entertainment; popular spots to drink and mingle include venues
like the Museum of Fine Arts, which often features live music and a
cash bar on summer evenings. Crowds of classy 20- to 30-somethings
mingle and socialise in the galleries and museums while sipping on
cocktails and wine. Many Bostonians prefer to start off an evening
with drinks in hotel lounges and bars, as they're much more
civilised than many clubs and bars and patrons are able to converse
easily. Once they're warmed up, the clubs are the place to be and
Bostonians can party hard.

Pool and bowling are popular pastimes in Boston and visitors
will be spoilt for choice with the amount of bowling alleys and
pool halls to choose from. Couple these activities with a few beers
and you've got yourself a recipe for a more relaxed evening out -
the choice of many Bostonians.

Those looking for theatre or classical music won't come away
disappointed either, as the renowned Boston Pops Orchestra has
regular performances at Symphony Hall. The Boston Symphony
Orchestra also performs there, and the New England Conservatory is
nearby, offering top-notch student performances for with no
admission charge.

One look at the city's boutiques, department stores, malls and
outlets and it's no secret why thousands flock to Boston to stock
up on clothes, jewellery and books. Take a walk down to the
Downtown Crossing near Boston Common, a browser's paradise, while
just around the corner Boston's Chinatown offers herbal remedies,
silk slippers and other traditional goods.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market, is a firm
favourite, with more than 100 of Boston's finest shops and carts
touting a variety of merchandise. It is also home to the Bull
Market, a fleet of 43 unique pushcarts featuring New England's
artisans and their wonderful wares, as well as an amazing food
court where tired shoppers can stop and refuel.

Big spenders can give their flexible plastic friends a good work
out at one of the many designer boutiques on the renowned
eight-block stretch on Newbury Street, boasting names such Cartier,
Armani and Max Mara to name a few. History buffs will fall in love
with the cobblestone streets of Charles Street on Beacon Hill,
where they can browse through the cramped stores of this early
Boston neighbourhood for historic photos, furniture, antique china,
and intriguing architectural objects.

Shops in Boston generally open from 10am to 7pm from Monday to
Saturday, with most large stores open on Sundays with reduced
opening hours.

Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) northeast of
Boston.Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to first Sunday in
November).Contacts: Tel: +1 800 235 6426.Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus services the four terminals.Getting to the city: The Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority provides regular bus
service for free, on the Silver Line, and a faster subway
connection, on the Blue Line, to and from the city centre, costing
about $2.65. Massport's free water transportation bus connects from
all airport terminals to the Logan dock where private water taxis
and public commuter boats are available to multiple destinations in
the Boston Harbour.Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz and
National.Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside all terminals and a taxi from Logan
International Airport to downtown Boston takes between 20 minutes
and an hour, depending on traffic. Some companies offer shared vans
that provide door-to-door services. Facilities: There are ATMs and bureaux de change in all terminals. Other
facilities include restaurants and bars, shops, duty-free shopping,
children's entertainment, tourist information and hotel
reservations. Parking: Parking at Boston Logan starts at $3 for the first half hour, $6
for an hour, $16 for two hours, and up to $23 per day. Weekly rates
are charged at $138. The three parking lots closer to the terminal
are more expensive if you stay more than a couple of hours, and all
lots are serviced by a free shuttle to the terminals.

Boston's transport network consists of the country's oldest
subway system, buses, trolley buses, ferries around the harbour and
the commuter rail. For getting around the Boston-Cambridge area the
subway is the best as it is easy to use, fast and safe. It serves
most of the city and on the whole visitors will have little use for
the bus network, which is cheaper but more confusing for newcomers.
Buses operate from 5am to 11.30pm and the subway until around 1am,
and a 'Night Owl' bus service has been introduced to provide
transport along main bus routes and parallel to subway lines on
Friday and Saturday nights until 2.30am. Taxis are plentiful but
expensive, although water taxis are popular as a novel way to
explore the city. Licensed cabs are best found at cabstands
(usually near hotels) or can be reserved by phone; they are metered
and provide receipts. Boston is a motorist's nightmare and there is
no need to rent a car while in the city, unless planning
excursions.

Boston has a continental climate with very changeable weather
patterns such as wide temperature swings in a matter of days, and
unseasonal snowfalls. Summers (June to August) are usually sunny,
hot and humid, with temperatures in July hitting averages of 82°F
(28°C). Winters, by contrast, are bitterly cold, windy, wet and
snowy, with temperatures in January averaging between 22°F (-6°C)
and 35°F (2°C). Boston averages 42 inches (108cm) of snowfall
annually, much of it deposited in northeasterly storms. The best
time to travel to Boston is in late spring or early autumn, when
the weather is warm and pleasant. Autumn is particularly lovely
when New England's trees wear their colourful fall foliage.